Basic Classifications Of Ohio Drunk Driving Violations

Most drivers understand the basic criminal consequences for what is commonly referred to as "drunk driving." Many people know that an arrest and OVI conviction can lead to loss of a drivers license, spending a night or two in jail and paying higher insurance rates in the future, but few people realize the complexity of drunk driving charges.

In Ohio, the legal standards for intoxicated driving are complex and ever-evolving. The degree of punishment faced by a driver depends on a wide range of circumstances. Every driver should take the opportunity to understand the three basic forms of OVI in Ohio:

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs: applies to drivers who are legally impaired as determined by law enforcement officer's observations during field sobriety tests and other evidence

Driving with a prohibited level of alcohol or drugs (Ohio's per se charge): applies to drivers who are over the legal limit based on blood-alcohol concentrations or drug metabolite levels using breath, blood or urine tests

Being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired: imposes criminal liability on individuals who are not driving but are determined to be under the influence while inside a parked vehicle and in possession of keys

A variety of other factors are relevant in Ohio OVI cases, including an individual's willingness or ability to submit to a Breathalyzer test, enhanced mandatory minimum penalties for drivers who have a higher level of intoxication, and whether the individual has previously been convicted of an OVI or a related offense.

An Ohio OVI lawyer can explain the many details that drivers should consider in the aftermath of a DUI/DWI/OVI arrest. Criminal defense attorneys also help clients understand an equally important legal factor: their legal rights against unreasonable search and seizure, their due process rights and the importance of close scrutiny of every aspect of the arrest record.

Get Your
Consultation Today.Call 513-932-2115.

Rittgers & Rittgers answers its phones 24/7. Call us anytime to secure your consultation with one of our award-winning lawyers. You can rely on us for elite representation from our deliberately small, family-run law firm.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.